Participants at a Vietnamese-sponsored consultation have recommended that Hanoi should urge Phnom Penh to postpone a proposed canal project for further discussions, citing Vietnamese concerns about the project’s environmental and economic impact.
The Funan Techo canal, a 180 km (112 mile) project linking the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, to the Gulf of Thailand, is scheduled to commence construction later this year and be completed within four years.
The planned canal will pass through a section of the Mekong River, causing worry in Vietnam about downstream consequences, particularly in the rice-growing Mekong Delta. Vietnamese scientist Le Anh Tuan highlighted that the canal could reduce the river’s flow by up to 50% by the time it reaches Vietnam.
To safeguard the delta, home to 17.4 million people, Tuan emphasized the need for more consultation from Vietnam’s side during a meeting in Can Tho.
Another expert, Dang Thanh Lam from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that Vietnam should request an environmental impact report from Cambodia.
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh also stressed the importance of transparency and further information regarding the project’s implications on regional water resources and agriculture.
On the other hand, Cambodia noted that MRC chairman, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, had endorsed the project.
Despite the project’s potential benefits, including improved trade and economic growth, Vietnam has expressed repeated concerns regarding the environmental and economic impacts of the canal.
An official from Cambodia emphasized that they are not obligated to provide detailed documents regarding the project to Vietnam, as all necessary information has been submitted to the MRC for assessment.
While Cambodia assures that the canal will not disrupt the Mekong’s flow, Vietnamese authorities continue to seek further information and assessments regarding the project’s impact.
Also known as the Tonle Bassac Navigation Road and Logistics System Project, the Funan Techo canal will be constructed by a Chinese firm at a cost of US$1.7 billion, aiming to enhance trade and reduce dependency on Vietnamese ports.
In addition to environmental and economic concerns, Vietnam is also cautious about the security implications of the canal, fearing potential access for Chinese ships and the proximity of the Chinese Ream naval base.
While Cambodia reassures its neighbors, Vietnam remains vigilant due to historical conflicts and ongoing disputes in the region.
Addressing these complex challenges requires collaboration and transparency between all involved parties to ensure the sustainable development and security of the region.
Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.